Artists Directory >Maria Antonyraj Chelliah

Bearded, slim and darkly handsome is Maria. He looks like an extension of his terra-cotta sculptures. Quiet though his works speak volumes of the lurking pressures of the creative mind.

Maria is comfortable in the medium of terra-cotta, wood, bronze and metal. His hanging sculptures are a delight to anyone who loves the suspension of the mobile form, bungee jumping from the ceiling. On the other hand is Maria, deep rooted in "Ant House", a miniature of houses, huts, buildings grouped, crowded, overhanging and built jostling for space like an over crowded city - the structure is 4.5' in length, 2.5' in width and about 4' in height. An imitation of us poor humans darting in and out of our homes - buzzing about, like the ants.

Maria uses driftwood and coral from the sea bed to create hangings for his walls in his little room, with  its antique desk and ornate old chair. He lives a simple, spartan life, diverting all energy towards creativity.

Qualification: Graduated in Fine Arts from Government College of Arts & Crafts, Madras 1982 - 1987.

Awards

Research Grants from Lalit Kala Akademi in Sculpture - Madras 1989 - 1990.
Junior Fellowship from Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi, 1991 - 92.
Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu Annual Exhibition of Art 1989 - 1990.
Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Art Exhibition 1991
Lalit Kala Akademi National Exhibition of Art, New Delhi 1994

Camps

L K A Regional Centre Madras and the Ideal Fine Arts Society, Gulbarga 1991
Participation in International Artists Camp organised at lalit kala Artists Studio Garhi, 1997.

Exhibitions

The Gallery, Madras - 1989, Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu Annual Exhibition of Art, 1989, 1990 & 1991.
Painting & Terracotta Exhibition organised by the Bengal Association, Madras, 1990.
Sarala's Art Centre, Madras

Address

Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam, Chennai - 600 041.